The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins are pleased to announce graduating defenceman, Owen Simmons has committed to Briercrest College for the fall of 2025.
“I’m extremely excited and honoured to be committing to Briercrest,” Simmons said of the announcement. “It’s a privilege to join such a strong organization with a great reputation both on and off the ice, and I’m really looking forward to being part of the team next year and can’t wait to get started.”
The commitment comes following a lengthy junior career which saw Simmons first cut his teeth at the junior level with a two-game call-up to the Bruins during the 2020-21 season. Playing 70 games over the next two seasons split between Jamestown and Danbury of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and Saint-Jerome of the Quebec Junior Hockey League (QJHL), Simmons then returned to Estevan during the ’23-24 season for his final two years spent back in the black and gold.
Coming back a veteran presence with a mean-streak on the ice and laid-back demeanor off it made him a natural leader within the Bruins room, serving as an alternate captain with the team last season.
Head coach and General Manager of the Bruins, Drew Kocur worked closely with Simmons, managing the defence for the lions share of the last two years. He said he’s happy to see the blue liner’s hard work pay off.
“Owen has a great work ethic; he competes, he works hard, and he comes to the rink every day with the same attitude of just wanting to get better,” Kocur said. “We’re really happy for Owen to get an opportunity to go play hockey and go to school at Briercrest and I wish him all the best with hockey and academics.”
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Simmons said playing post-secondary hockey has “been a dream ever since I first stepped on the ice,” adding that Briercrest specifically checked all the boxes.
“I had the chance to visit the campus, and it made a great impression on me,” Simmons said. “It’s a beautiful place with a strong sense of community. I’ve had ongoing conversations with the coaching staff, and they’ve been incredibly welcoming and supportive. It feels like a great environment where I can thrive both as a hockey player and as a person.”
He added that joining a former teammate with the Bruins and close personal friend already on the Briercrest roster also helped cement the decision.
“My former captain, Keagon Little plays for the Clippers and he’s spoken very highly of the program and his experience there, which definitely helped confirm that this was the right choice for me,” Simmons said.
On the classroom end of things, Simmons will be studying Psychology, a subject that has long been of interest to him. He said the opportunity ahead wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many.
“I just want to say how thankful I am for everyone who’s helped me along the way — family, friends, coaches, and teammates. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead at Briercrest.”
The Briercrest Clippers finished in top spot of the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) standings in 2024-25, with a 19-5 record.
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Marty Martinson/Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
